Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I currently lead Supply Chain Management at a major solar manufacturing company, drawing on more than 25 years of experience in procurement and supply chain operations within the glass and solar manufacturing industries.

Over the course of my career, I have focused on strategic sourcing, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to drive operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This approach has enabled me to deliver strong results across the organizations I have worked with.

I am committed to building resilient supply chains that enable both innovation and sustainability. I thrive in dynamic environments where continuous improvement is a core value.

 

Q2. How are current policies and government incentives driving solar supply chain localization, particularly in India and key emerging markets?

India is rapidly positioning itself as a global solar manufacturing hub, driven by strategic policies and incentives aimed at reducing dependence on imports—especially from China.

Key Government Initiatives are :

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

• Offers financial incentives to domestic manufacturers of high-efficiency solar PV modules
• Aims to build end-to-end manufacturing capacity—from polysilicon to modules
• Encourages backward integration and investment in upstream segments, such as wafers and cells

Import Restrictions & Tariffs

• India has introduced duties on imported solar modules and cells to support domestic manufacturers.
• These measures have created a more favorable environment for local production.

Capital Subsidies & Net Metering

• Residential and commercial users can access subsidies of up to 40 percent for rooftop solar installations.
• Net metering policies enable consumers to earn credits for surplus solar power supplied to the grid.

PM-KUSUM & PM-Surya Ghar Schemes

• Target rural and residential solar adoption with generous subsidies
• PM-KUSUM supports farmers with solar pumps and off-grid systems
• PM-Surya Ghar aims to add 40 GW of distributed solar capacity by 2026

Green Energy Open Access Rules (GEOA)

• Allows commercial and industrial users to procure renewable energy directly from producers
• Reduces the minimum procurement threshold from 1 MW to 100 kW

 

Q3. How do you assess the competitive landscape among solar manufacturing suppliers in localized versus global contexts?

The competitive landscape for solar manufacturing suppliers differs considerably between localized and global contexts. Factors such as cost structures, policy environments, technological capabilities, and supply chain resilience all play a role.

Aspect	Global Suppliers	Localized (India) Suppliers
Cost Efficiency	High (China-led)	Improving, but still higher for upstream
Technology Leadership	Advanced (automation, AI, R&D)	Emerging, with gaps in upstream tech
Policy Support	Strong in China, US, EU	Aggressive in India (PLI, ALMM)
Supply Chain Control	Vertically Integrated	Fragmented, import-dependent
Market Access	Global Reach	Growing exports, strong domestic demand
Resilience	Vulnerable to trade tensions	Vulnerable to upstream bottlenecks

 

Q4. What future supply chain innovations or strategic partnerships do you foresee enabling scalability and cost efficiencies in solar manufacturing?

Looking ahead, several supply chain innovations and strategic partnerships are likely to drive scalability and cost efficiencies in solar manufacturing, both globally and in markets such as India.

Future Supply Chain Innovations in Solar Manufacturing:

• AI, Automation & Robotics
• Blockchain for Traceability
• Digital Twins & Simulation
• Advanced Materials & Modular Design
• Circular Supply Chains

Strategic Partnerships Driving Scalability & Cost Efficiency

• Public-Private Collaborations
• Global Logistics & Procurement Alliances
• University-Industry R&D Networks
• Supplier Qualification Platforms
• Regional Manufacturing Clusters

Strategic Outlook

• Localized supply chains stand to benefit from these innovations by reducing dependence on imports and improving responsiveness to market needs.
• Global players are likely to maintain leadership in scale and technology, but will need to adapt to regional regulations and increasing sustainability requirements.
• Hybrid models that combine global sourcing with local manufacturing are expected to shape the next phase of growth in the solar industry.

 

Q5. What are the primary risks and bottlenecks in the solar manufacturing supply chain that could impact procurement cost and delivery timelines?

There are several primary risks and bottlenecks in the solar manufacturing supply chain that can have a significant impact on procurement costs and delivery timelines.

Bottlenecks Across the Solar Manufacturing Value Chain

Segment	Bottleneck	Impact
Polysilicon	Limited global producers, high energy input	Price spikes, supply delays
Wafers & Cells	China-dominated production	Tariff risks, compliance issues
Modules	Logistics & customs delays	Longer lead times
Inverters	Low domestic capacity, regulatory hurdles	Project delays
Frames & Glass	Material shortages, energy-intensive	Cost inflation
Installation & Grid Integration	Labor, interconnection queues	Commissioning delays

 

Strategic Implications for Procurement

Cost Volatility: Raw material and freight price fluctuations can inflate procurement budgets.

Lead Time Uncertainty: Delays in upstream components or grid approvals can derail project timelines.

Supplier Risk: Over-reliance on a few suppliers or regions increases exposure to disruption.

Compliance Costs: Meeting evolving regulatory standards adds complexity and overhead.

 

Q6. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

I would like to understand the following: -

• Plans for vertical integration or strategic partnerships
• Investments in local manufacturing capacity or regional diversification
• Adoption of digital supply chain tools for visibility and agility
• Clear metrics on cost reduction, lead time improvement, and supplier diversification